If you’ve never tried Puerto Rican food before, get ready for a vibrant journey of bold flavors, aromatic spices, and rich cultural heritage. Rooted in a blend of Spanish, African, and Taino influences, Puerto Rican cuisine—often called cocina criolla—offers a delicious introduction to Caribbean culinary traditions. At Caribbean Breeze, we bring the unique flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine to Nashua, so you can try something new without traveling far from home.
Puerto Rican food has a unique flavor profile that comes from its signature ingredients. Here’s a look at some of the most common ingredients and dishes.
Sofrito: The Flavor Base
At the heart of Puerto Rican cooking is sofrito, a fragrant base made from onions, garlic, peppers, cilantro, and culantro. This bright green puree is the starting point for many dishes, infusing them with depth and unmistakable flavor. It’s the island’s version of a mirepoix or base sauce—earthy, herbal, and deeply comforting.
The Versatility of Plantains
Another staple you’ll find across Puerto Rican tables is plantains. Whether sweet and caramelized as maduros, twice-fried and crispy as tostones, or mashed with garlic and pork cracklings to make mofongo, plantains are a versatile and essential part of the cuisine. Mofongo, in particular, is a must-try—it’s hearty, savory, and often served with a rich broth or stewed meat.
Classic Rice and Beans
You’re familiar with the Mexican take on rice and beans, but Puerto Rican cuisine elevates them to something truly special. Arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) is cooked with sofrito, olives, and often seasoned with achiote oil, which gives it a beautiful golden hue and nutty flavor. Add a side of slow-cooked pork (pernil), and you have a classic Puerto Rican feast.
Rich and Flavorful Dishes
Meat lovers will also appreciate dishes like ropa vieja (shredded beef in a tomato-based sauce) and lechón, whole roasted pig, especially popular at family gatherings and festivals. Seafood is abundant as well, with fresh fish, shrimp, and crab featured in stews like asopao de mariscos.
What ties all of these dishes together is the emphasis on seasoning over spiciness. Puerto Rican food is full of flavor but rarely hot—it’s all about layering herbs, aromatics, and natural sweetness.
Try Puerto Rican Food in Nashua at Caribbean Breeze
Trying Puerto Rican food is like tasting the island’s history and spirit in every bite—warm, bold, and utterly unforgettable. If you’ve never tried it before, you have to visit us at Caribbean Breeze! We’ll introduce you to the flavors of Puerto Rican food, as well as Haitian, Cuban, Dominican, and Jamaican flavors.
